The DSM toolbox

[LaN-]

i did a small search on it but couldnt find much, i should of spent alittle more time looking but i gotta go to work

My dad has NO tools what so ever and its alittle hard working on the car. So i'm looking into getting my own.

I wanna know what the most common tools accessories or anything you use on a normal basis are (we dont need 1000 posts on Zip ties, Duck tape, or WD40) so i dont waste money on stuff i really dont need, yes i understand everything will help but i think you get idea.

Also i think this would be good for newb's cuz the work you do is only as good as the tools you have

Please be detailed, where you got them, pricing, ect......


I will elaborate more later if needed but i think this should give you the overall view

 

[oddrob]

A good set of metric sockets, various screwdrivers, and a big hammer...that'll take care of 75%

 

[speedracer91]

i think having certain fluids os a good thing like: oil,antifreeze, brake fluid, and a rag is important in my car...a leatherman could help

 

[ddavisaf]

Whatever you get make sure you have 10MM-14MM

And a 8MM whatever (wrench socket nut driver, whatever)

2 Sets of wrenchs are always nice to have. I've got 4, 2 standard 2 metric. Then a set of stubby metrics. And get an O2 sensor socket. They're cheap and I've owned this DSM since Febuary and I've removed my O2 at least 6 times.

Sears sells craftsman. craftsman has lifetime warranty. I havn't bought a tool from sears in years. I goto sears all the time, get me?

You'll pay a little more for the tools but the "hassle free" warranty comes in handy. Just tell them you were being gentle on whatever you broke. And especially never tell them you were using chromies on an impact. Unless you wanna see the cute expression that pops up on their face.

 

[xveganxcowboyx]

Don't forget a plug socket.


You might look into buying some poor suckers box of tools at a pawn shop. You may be able to get a whole set for the same as a basic kit if you bought new.

 

[90blacktsiawd]

While your at it a set of metric wrenches. Wratcheting wrenches if you can swing them to. They come in real handy sometimes. And you should always keep 10, 12, 14 sockets and wrenches in your car. Those are the most common sizes we use. One day you'll be happy you had them with you.

 

[LaN-]

thanks for you help so far guys hopefully this will help not only me but others that are getting started in DSM's

mabye i should see if something like this could go into the tech articles or something (after alot more research obviously)

So far we got alots of wrench's, screw drivers, Fluids, specialty tools like the O2 sensor.

just picture if someone sold a DSM Toolbox Set, tool box that has the DSM symbol on it and mabye alittle box that you could put in the trunk. Obviously you could make it yourself but i think that would be just cool

Keep um Comming

 

[LaN-]

heres some more ideas

Since the bolts in a 15 year old car arent in the best of shape the tools to get the bolts / screws out after the heads snap off

or

some type of a magnetic pole when your drop the only 12mm socket you have in the engine bay and cant find it or reach it with your hands

 

[ddavisaf]

heres some more ideas

Since the bolts in a 15 year old car arent in the best of shape the tools to get the bolts / screws out after the heads snap off

or

some type of a magnetic pole when your drop the only 12mm socket you have in the engine bay and cant find it or reach it with your hands

Damn good call. First one is called a Tap and Die set (Don't know if the spelling is correct)

And I call the second a Magic Wand

I'd also invest in some Helicoil Sears has it all

 

[marcmsj]

a spare tranny and axles also come in handy

 

[tylerk]

PB Blaster and a breaker bar.

 

[ddavisaf]

You really want every tool huh? okay

Metric Wrenches
o2 Sensor Socket
Flex Head Breaker Bar
Needle Nose pliers
Tap and Die set
Helicoil
Magnetic "Grabber"
Shallow Metric Sockets 3/8" Drive (Socket Wrench)
Deep Metric Sockets 3/8" Drive
Oil Filter Wrench
Diagonal Pliers
Crimpers/Wire Strippers
Screwdrivers (Various size/length/type Flathead/Phillips)
Teflon Tape
You might want to get a 1/4" Drive Socket Set, comes in handy

DEFINATLY get some PB Blaster Good call

 

[a_scobel]

A couple bottles of PB Blaster, breaker bar & an equalizer (extra length of pipe to put on the breaker bar's handle for more leverage)

Edit: Damnit..2 posts late.

 

[LaN-]

You really want every tool huh? okay

Metric Wrenches
o2 Sensor Socket
Flex Head Breaker Bar
Needle Nose pliers
Tap and Die set
Helicoil
Magnetic "Grabber"
Shallow Metric Sockets 3/8" Drive (Socket Wrench)
Deep Metric Sockets 3/8" Drive
Oil Filter Wrench
Diagonal Pliers
Crimpers/Wire Strippers
Screwdrivers (Various size/length/type Flathead/Phillips)
Teflon Tape
You might want to get a 1/4" Drive Socket Set, comes in handy

DEFINATLY get some PB Blaster Good call

now thats what i'm talking about Details

More

at the end of all this i'm gonna try and put together one big long list for everyone

 

[LaN-]

mabye even a set of spare gaskets / o rings

 

[VBGSX]

Most have been covered above.
I think most people will agree that any person working on one of our cars(or any car for that matter) should have a can of PB Blaster(bought at most auto parts stores)
Breaker bar
Spark plug socket and an extention(auto parts store)
Spark plug gap tool(auto parts store)
I personally like my compression tester(use it on mine and other friends DSM's)(auto parts store)
****make yourself a boost leak tester****(very valuable tool)( http://www.vfaq.com/mods/ICtester.html )

edit: forgot the torque wrench(very useful)

 

[LaN-]

boost leak tester that never even crossed my mind. I use it all the time more of a part of the car rather then a tool

good call


How bout extra ball bearings or springs for the MBC

 

[98autogstspyder]

-antiseize
-a good shop manual (chiltons etc)
-car ramps or a good jack (not the stocker) and some bricks to put behind the wheels
-oil catcher
-plenty of shop wrags
-a knowledgable friend when doing bigger projects
-patience
-torque wrench of some kind (dont know much about these yet)
-home made boost leak tester
-some times a set of allen keys are needed
-die grinder for porting (needed only for performance)
-compression tester


thats about all i can think of, i hope this helps

 

[ddavisaf]

-antiseize
-a good shop manual (chiltons etc)
-car ramps or a good jack (not the stocker) and some bricks to put behind the wheels
-oil catcher
-plenty of shop wrags
-a knowledgable friend when doing bigger projects
-patience
-torque wrench of some kind (dont know much about these yet)
-home made boost leak tester
-some times a set of allen keys are needed
-die grinder for porting (needed only for performance)
-compression tester


thats about all i can think of, i hope this helps

Torque wrench. Well, you're going to need a inch-lbs and a foot-lbs wrench. Look to spend about 200 on these at least.

I use 3 or 4 different torque wrenches all at different ranges.

You shouldn't need extra springs/balls for your MBC.... You won't need a die grinder to maintenance hopefully. If you do then something went wrong
It's a wonderful tool to have though. You'll need an air compressor and whatnot for it but it's great at saving you time.

 

[Gigaah]

I agree you WILL need PB Blaster. 1/2" drive wratchet to fit the 23mm socket required for the drain plugs. If not a breaker bar at least a piece of pipe.

PS. NO WD-40 doesn't substitute or compare to PB-Blaster. You will surely break Bolts,knuckles, and tools if you try to free rusted things with WD.

 

[a_scobel]

Oh yes almost forgot..band-aids for those knuckles.

 

[Slack_r]

Reliable Flat-Bed Service

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

If PB blaster isn't doing it for you on those 15yr old bolts find a local small airport or a place that sells small airplane parts. You'll find they sell a pentrating lubricant called "Mouse Milk", it's a small bottle that has a picture of a mouse in overalls on it. This is the stuff that WILL work on anything. This is the stuff used when they need to break loose bolts on a plane that have been tightened to 200ft/lbs. One warning, it smells like complete ass, once you squeeze a little from the bottle (trust me you won't need that much more) walk away. An 8 ounce bottle is 5.50 but once you use it you will know where the money went.

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[dave99gst]

i think u need at least two - 10,12,17mm sockets
some gojo to wash those hands b4 usings your laptop to ask questions.

variety of phillips/flat head screwdrivers

o and a bible ( u will be praying alot )

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

I'd add a couple 14's to that also.

The only thing I keep in my car is 10,12,14 wrenches and ratcheting wrenches. 1/4 and 3/8 drive ratchets with 10,12,14 and 17mm sockets, some shop towels and screwdrivers.